Monticello man could face life sentence in child rape case

But he could face 25 years to life in prison if he is convicted on charges of rape and incest of a child under 13, Sullivan County Court Judge Frank LaBuda said Monday.

Fountain, 35, was brought from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, a federal prison where he is being held without bail, to a hearing at Sullivan County Court to discuss a possible plea bargain.

In exchange for a guilty plea to the lesser crime of course of sexual conduct against a child, a class B felony, Chief Assistant District Attorney Meagan Galligan said the district attorney's office was prepared to offer him 10 years in state prison with 10 years of parole.

Through his lawyer, Lawrence Gold, Fountain told the court he needed time to consider the offer.

State police in Liberty, along with the Sullivan County Family Violence Unit, said Fountain engaged in sexual acts with a child over an extended period of time.

Police did not release more information about the victim.

Fountain was also among 11 people from Sullivan County indicted in January on conspiracy to distribute heroin.

LaBuda said the case before his court should take priority.

"A federal drug case compared to an alleged rape of a child, I think our society is more concerned about this behavior," LaBuda said.